Ho, Oct. 21, GNA - Mrs Emma Okran, Director of Legal Affairs of the National Insurance Commission (NIC) on Friday called on drivers and vehicle owners to frequently upgrade their knowledge on their insurance policies and companies providing genuine services. She said it was the only way they could save themselves from falling prey to unregistered and unscrupulous companies, which do not pay claims.

Mrs Okran stated this at a public education seminar held in Ho for drivers and vehicle owners.

She observed that there has been an upsurge in the operation of illegal insurance companies, which were taking advantage of the ignorance of drivers and vehicle owners.

She said there were companies that use relatively low premium to attract unsuspecting drivers and vehicle owners, who after subscribing to their services, do not get their claims paid when the need arises. Mrs Okran stated that the situation had created a bad image for the sector and was playing down the public's interest in the system. She said the NIC, as the supervisory body for insurance companies, has established a complaints and settlements bureau to address issues of mistrust and misunderstanding between registered companies and their clients.

Mrs Okran said it is not in the interest of the Commission for claimants to suffer difficulties in getting their compensation and urged the general public to make good use of the NIC's complaints units when in difficulty.

"We are there to intervene on behalf of the general public. People must therefore be responsible enough to check on registered companies with us and make sure that their policies are valid", she advised. Mr Isaac Buabeng, Head of Marketing and Research of the Commission, underscored the importance of life insurance and advised participants to take advantage of all life products.